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Transmission and drivetrainPart report

2019 BMW I3 Transmission and drivetrain Problems

Complaints
3about this part
Share
23%of 13 total for the year
Median mileage
—not reported
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2019 BMW I3, 23% of the 13 complaints for this model year.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“The drivetrain system malfunctioned while increasing from 60 MPH to 70 MPH. The vehicle lost all propulsion mid-journey. This put myself as well as other drivers around me at risk while I coasted to a stop on the freeway. The vehicle's warning system stated: “Drivetrain Malfunction: Stop carefully and turn off engine. Do not continue driving. Call Roadside Assistance.” There are error codes that were considered by the manufacturer's nearest service center. …”

NHTSA complaint #11629361, filed 2024-12

“This is an electric vehicle. I experienced a sudden loss of all power while traveling on the interstate in heavy traffic. I nearly lost control of the vehicle as it would not respond to my inputs. I had to cross two lanes of dense interstate traffic to get to a safe area to pull over and it was terrifying because the car just suddenly shut down while traveling at highway speeds. The dealership that I had the car towed to did some diagnostic work and said that EME had failed. The EME is the main processor that controls all electrical functions in the vehicle. …”

NHTSA complaint #11737149, filed 2026-05

“The car has lost power on the highway multiple times and gone into Limp mode with no warnings on the dashboard. The Rex engine has failed to start as well. Very dangerous on the highway going 20 mph trying to make the next exit. The car has been back to the BMW dealer multiple times (over 2.5 months at the dealer ) with no repair. They are now offering to take the car in trade. The car is still under the EV warranty in California. Seems they and BMW engineering don’t know how to repair the car and are now putting the burden on the consumer.”

NHTSA complaint #11751920, filed 2026-07

Related service bulletins

Transmission and drivetrain: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2019323%
201817%
2017611%
201639%
201549%
20141426%

Other parts of the 2019 BMW I3

Electrical system
6 complaints
Steering
4 complaints
Engine
2 complaints
Fuel system
2 complaints
Other or unknown
2 complaints
Brakes
1 complaints
Hybrid propulsion system
1 complaints
Seat belts
1 complaints
Body and structure
1 complaints
Vehicle speed control
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2019 BMW I3

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology